Flow battery power module backplane

Abstract

In an embodiment, a flow battery system with power producing components, having one or multiple stacks, pumps and related components wherein such components are mechanically mounted into, and fully supported by, a common backplane. Electrical and hydraulic interconnections are provided by the backplane and the backplane consists of one electromechanical assembly that will substantially reduce costs, and improve energy efficiency and serviceability. Multiple stacks and pumps may be interconnected in a single backplane in various serial and parallel configurations. In turn, multiple backplanes may be interconnected in various serial and parallel configurations, to build larger systems, depending on the application.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An assembly comprising:
 a backplane providing an electrical connection and a hydraulic connection; and   a stack having an interface that is operable to insert the stack into the backplane and remove the stack from the backplane, the interface including:
 an electrical connection that interconnects with the electrical connection of the backplane after the stack is inserted into the backplane, and 
 a hydraulic connection that interconnects with the hydraulic connection of the backplane after the stack is inserted into the backplane. 
   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the assembly operates as a flow battery after the stack is inserted into the backplane. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a pump that provides circulation of electrolyte flow material utilized by the stack.   
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the pump is a magnetic drive pump. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the pump includes an impeller portion that is embedded into a hydraulic manifold contained in the backplane. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the pump includes a motor portion that is detachable from the pump. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the motor portion is inserted into and removed from the backplane. 
     
     
         8 . A flow battery system comprising:
 a backplane;   a plurality of stacks; and   a plurality of pumps,   wherein the stacks and pumps are mechanically mounted into the backplane, and   wherein the backplane provides electrical and hydraulic interconnections to the stacks and pumps.   
     
     
         9 . The flow battery system of  claim 8 , wherein the backplane is contained in a single electromechanical assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The flow battery system of  claim 8 , wherein the backplane includes provisions for facilitating an insertion and removal of the stacks and pumps. 
     
     
         11 . The flow battery system of  claim 8 , wherein the backplane is oriented horizontally or vertically, or any inclination between the two.